Omniquad

OMNIQUAD ErgoSense

$9.99

OMNIQUAD ErgoSense - Effective, software based RSI Prevention

ErgoSense is an innovative ergonomic tool which requires no user input and analyses user real-time work patterns. Once an extended period of activity on the workstation has been detected by ErgoSense, the user is then presented with a 3-D computer animated model demonstrating unintrusive optional exercises sets.

These carefully tested exercise sets (which conform to recommended Health & Safety Executive guidelines) have been proven to relieve the build up of pressure and stress on the tendons and nerves in the hand, wrist, arms, shoulders and neck - aiding the prevention and alleviation of any discomfort, stress, and fatigue.

The recommended ergonomic exercise sessions have been designed only to appear on the desktop when most needed - after continuous computer activity. On average, such exercise only constitute only between 3-10 minutes of the normal working day.

Additionally, ErgoSense is also able to recognise workstation inactivity (eg - when the user is away from his/her desk). The software will intuitively conclude from such a interval that an appropriate break from the computer is taking place and defer any future micro-break until workstation activity has resumed.

How can ErgoSense benefit your organisation?

Increased productivity

The deployment of ErgoSense, assists in the reduction of stress, fatigue and absenteeism, resulting in employees better able to prolong their attention spans, increase concentration levels and achieve higher performance standards and targets.

Minimising legal liability

"This Midland Bank judgment demonstrates that RSI is a very real industrial injury and employers are liable for the damage they cause to their staff."
— The women's union, Unifi (formerly Bifu)

It has long been accepted that employers are liable in Common Law for physical injury employees suffer in the workplace (1974 Health and Safety at Work Act), however since the Court of Appeal's decision in July 1999 to uphold the ruling against Midland Bank (HSBC), a legal precedent has been set in the UK specifically concerning the issue of RSI.

ErgoSense addresses this issue at source and provides the employer with a means to reduce the possibility of future injury compensation claims. In particular the ErgoSense log facility compiles a personal usage history providing detailed user information about all recommended and displayed micro-breaks and exercises shown.

This ensures that should a future compensation claim arise, the employer has at their fingertips the proof that they have discharged their responsibilities faithfully.

The reduction of sickness leave and absenteeism

ErgoSense helps minimise the prolonged periods of time away from work due to RSI by means of eleviating and preventing headaches, stiffness, swellings and RSI related injuries such as: Cumulative Trauma Disorder, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Tendinitis, Bursitis, Trigger Finger/Thumb and Myofascial Pain Syndrome.

Motivation

By utilising ErgoSense and introducing exersise micro-breaks when most needed, organisations will be able to aid the reduction of stress, discomfort and fatigue and so promote a positive, active and energised workforce.

Additionally, as users are able to focus in on their own individual concerns and needs by utilising ErgoSense (please see benefits panel 4), employees feel increasingly valued and recognised.

Stress Management

Although stress is an attribute of almost every working day, stress and depression (caused or exacerbated by work) are now the biggest occupational health problem in the UK, affecting all sectors of business and industry.

The costs to business in the number of working days lost to absenteeism is staggering. Employers are advised to take steps to minimise stress levels.

ErgoSense has been developed with this in mind and its relaxation techniques and fitness tips (stretching and desk-set exercises) deal specifically with combating the negative effects of stress.

Key Features

1. Easy to use

Never intrudes on your employees' work. The suggested micro-breaks and ergonomic exercises can be paused, delayed or cancelled at any time should it be inappropriate (eg - in the middle of writing an important document or on the phone). No software training is required for users. Just one click of the mouse and your employees can follow the quick and easy ergonomic exercise sets.

3-D animated models demonstrate easy to follow ergonomic exercises focusing on the hands, eyes, neck, head, shoulders and lower back.

Includes a fully comprehensive user guide covering background information on RSI's, warning signs, quick tips, lighting and VDU's.

2. Network scalability

ErgoSense can be deployed on the network server, stand-alone or on any portable computer.

• Can be run directly from the network server
• Requires no disk space on the network workstations
• A network ErgoSense installation can be managed centrally
• Requires no maintenance after installation

3. The administrator panel

The ErgoSense logs provide detailed information about all suggested and displayed micro-breaks exercises shown.

The data collected form each user (even from laptops and home workers) can be collated to create specific, dated records of each employee, group or department.

The ErgoSense log facility will allow the administrator to analyse which users viewed, delayed or cancelled the exercise sets.

4. Tailored to suit individual needs

Authorised personnel may modify existing and create new exercise sessions using the ErgoSense Session Designer.

Animation sets can be customised to reflect users' personal gender and race preferences, as well as areas of individual ergonomic concern.

Micro-breaks can be suggested after a prolonged period of continuos activity or at set times. The user possesses the option to override the timing features and start the exercise sets at any time.

What is RSI?

RSI, or more specifically WRULD's (work related upper limb disorders) are one of the fastest growing workplace injuries in the UK, costing British industry around one billion pounds a year in sick pay and lost output. It is now understood to affect some 200,000 office staff a year in Britain alone, with RSI's generally requiring a greater number of days away from work when compared to other injuries and illnesses.

Only recently recognised as a lawful industrial injury in the UK (conclusive research published in the Lancet - 7/99), the legal precedent set by the Midland Bank ruling in July 1999 was a breakthrough test case, upholding RSI as a legitimate physical complaint.